Marketplace PM for July 9, 2007

A $650 billion defense authorization bill tops the Senate's agenda -- the largest such authorization since World War II. And Democrats will try to use it to hasten the withdrawal of troops from Iraq. John Dimsdale reports.

Faced with a budget impasse, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell sent home state employees, except for "essential" public servants such as police, firefighters, and lottery and gaming workers. Alisa Roth reports.

A Google employee learned an important lesson after she posted comments on a company blog that were critical of Michael Moore's new film "Sicko." Bob Moon talked about blog do's and don'ts with Debbie Weil, author of "The Corporate Blogging Book."

The SEC is expected to sign off soon on a merger of the NASD and the NYSE. Critics fear combining the two self-regulatory groups will make it even harder for investors to get action on their complaints. Amy Scott reports.

Tom Stemberg, founder of office-supply giant Staples, unveiled today a new venture capital fund. It will focus on retail start-ups that are just about the opposite of the type of store he pioneered. Steve Tripoli reports.

Tougher U.S. bankruptcy rules now make it more difficult for entrepreneurs to shield personal assets when their businesses fail. As a result, says commentator Aparna Mathur, business start-ups are declining.

Online gamers known as "gold farmers" harvest virtual items like magic swords and potions and sell them to other players for real money. South Korea has adopted laws restricting the practice. Rico Gagliano reports.